Summary of "Hands-On Windows 130: New Windows 11 Features in 2025"

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Paul Throt
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Platform: TWiT.tv

In the 130th episode of Hands-On Windows, host Paul Throt delves into the latest features introduced to Windows 11 through the Patch Tuesday updates of early 2025. Paul provides an in-depth analysis of the new functionalities, improvements, and minor tweaks, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of what to expect from the upcoming Windows updates. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key discussions and insights from the episode.

1. Introduction and Patch Tuesday Overview

Paul begins by setting the stage for the episode, explaining the Windows update cycle and the significance of Patch Tuesday—the second Tuesday of every month when Microsoft releases cumulative updates that include new features, security enhancements, and bug fixes.

Paul Throt [00:15]: "I think everybody understands that Windows is always evolving."

He mentions that there are currently two supported versions of Windows 11 in the market: 23H2 and 24H2, which are functionally aligned, meaning most new features apply to both versions.

2. New System Tray Battery Icon

One of the standout features Paul highlights is the revamped battery icon in the system tray.

Paul Throt [04:30]: "This battery icon is green and it has a 100% figure next to it. That is, that's brand new."

The new icon not only displays the battery percentage but also uses color indicators:

• Green: Charging or in a good state.
• Yellow: Energy saver mode activated when battery reaches 20%.
• Red: Critically low battery, signaling imminent shutdown.

This redesign aims to provide clearer visual cues about the battery status, enhancing user experience.

3. Enhanced Jump Lists with Sharing Capability

Paul discusses the updated jump lists—the lists that appear when right-clicking an application's taskbar icon.

Paul Throt [05:20]: "New to the latest cumulative update is the ability to share directly from this list."

Users can now share recent documents directly from the jump list, a feature that streamlines the sharing process without needing to navigate through the file system. Additionally, the option to pin frequently accessed documents to the top of the list has been reintroduced for easier access.

4. Updated Windows Share Interface

The episode covers updates to the Windows Share interface, which provides users with various options to share files and documents.

Paul Throt [05:55]: "This is a new share interface. So you may recall that when you share from a OneDrive folder, you get one UI and when you share from anywhere else on the PC, you get this other UI."

Key improvements include:

• A unified sharing experience that consolidates nearby sharing and app-based sharing into a single interface.
• Recommendations for apps that can be installed to enhance sharing capabilities.
• A more intuitive design that allows users to copy links or directly share to connected devices.

5. Windows Spotlight Enhancements

Windows Spotlight, the feature that provides stunning background images, has received several updates.

Paul Throt [07:42]: "They’ve revised this UI... it's back to where I think it was originally, which is the lower right corner of the screen."

Improvements include:

• Enhanced UI Placement: The Spotlight icon is repositioned for better accessibility.
• Interactive Elements: Users can now interact with the Spotlight images more seamlessly, such as learning more about the image or liking/disliking it.
• Lock Screen Integration: Similar interactive features have been extended to the lock screen, allowing users to engage with Spotlight images without unlocking their device.

6. Enhanced Taskbar Previews

Paul explores updates to the taskbar previews, which display when hovering over an application's icon in the taskbar.

Paul Throt [11:10]: "The description of this improvement is that these taskbar thumbnails have been improved and they have improved animations as well."

While Paul notes that the visual differences are subtle, the enhancements include:

• Improved Resolution and Scaling: Thumbnails appear sharper and more detailed.
• Smoother Animations: Hover transitions are more fluid, providing a more polished user experience.

7. File Explorer Improvements

Significant changes have been made to File Explorer, addressing longstanding user feedback.

Paul Throt [12:30]: "What they've added is right click new folder...something people were asking for."

Key updates include:

• Right-Click Functionality in Navigation Pane: Users can now right-click within the navigation pane to create new folders, a feature that was previously unavailable.
• Session Restoration: After logging out or rebooting, File Explorer restores open tabs, allowing users to resume their workflow seamlessly.
• Optimized Tab Management: Enhanced tab functionality ensures that multiple tabs across different directories are maintained consistently across sessions.

8. Time Zone Settings for Standard Users

Previously, only administrators could change the system's time zone settings. The new update allows standard users to modify their time zones without needing elevated privileges.

Paul Throt [14:10]: "As of that update from February 2025, anyone can now change their time zone manually if desired."

This change democratizes control over personal settings, catering to users who may need flexibility without requiring administrative access.

9. Work Across Devices Feature

The Work Across Devices feature facilitates seamless transitions between different devices, akin to Apple's ecosystem features.

Paul Throt [14:50]: "This is an Apple-like feature where you're on your phone or a Tablet, you're using OneDrive and you're using it to access some kind of a document..."

Key aspects include:

• Cross-Device Continuity: If a user is working on a document via the OneDrive app on a mobile device and logs out from their PC, upon logging back in, a prompt appears offering to continue working on the same document on the PC.
• Integration with Applications: Instead of reopening in the OneDrive app, the document launches in the appropriate native application (e.g., Word, Excel), ensuring a cohesive user experience.
• OneDrive Dependency: This feature requires that the documents are saved in OneDrive, leveraging its cloud synchronization capabilities.

10. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Paul wraps up the episode by acknowledging that while the list of new features may not be groundbreaking, it represents a move towards more stable and consistent updates after a period of chaotic system updates from Microsoft.

Paul Throt [15:30]: "It's been a couple of years of really chaotic system updating from Microsoft. We get something every month. It's been kind of crazy. So I like to see this level of updating. It’s kind of a nice change from the past."

He expresses hope that Microsoft will continue this trend of orderly and manageable updates, enhancing user trust and satisfaction.

11. Conclusion

Paul concludes the episode by thanking the listeners and encouraging them to subscribe to Club Twit for ad-free content and additional perks. He reiterates the value of consistent and user-focused updates, emphasizing the importance of supporting the network through subscriptions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Introduction to Updates:
  Paul Throt [00:15]: "I think everybody understands that Windows is always evolving."

• Battery Icon Enhancement:
  Paul Throt [04:30]: "This battery icon is green and it has a 100% figure next to it. That is, that's brand new."

• Jump Lists Sharing Feature:
  Paul Throt [05:20]: "New to the latest cumulative update is the ability to share directly from this list."

• Windows Spotlight UI Changes:
  Paul Throt [07:42]: "They’ve revised this UI... it's back to where I think it was originally, which is the lower right corner of the screen."

• Taskbar Previews Improvement:
  Paul Throt [11:10]: "The description of this improvement is that these taskbar thumbnails have been improved and they have improved animations as well."

• File Explorer Right-Click New Folder:
  Paul Throt [12:30]: "What they've added is right click new folder... something people were asking for."

• Time Zone Settings for All Users:
  Paul Throt [14:10]: "As of that update from February 2025, anyone can now change their time zone manually if desired."

• Work Across Devices Feature:
  Paul Throt [14:50]: "This is an Apple-like feature where you're on your phone or a Tablet, you're using OneDrive and you're using it to access some kind of a document..."

• Final Outlook on Updates:
  Paul Throt [15:30]: "It's been a couple of years of really chaotic system updating from Microsoft. We get something every month. It's been kind of crazy. So I like to see this level of updating. It’s kind of a nice change from the past."

This episode serves as a valuable guide for Windows 11 users eager to stay updated with the latest features and improvements. Paul Throt's clear explanations and practical demonstrations make it easy for both novice and seasoned users to understand and utilize the new functionalities effectively.